Jean Simmons - Spartacus, Guys and Dolls

Jean Simmons (Deceased) was a British-American actress whose elegance, intelligence, and dramatic versatility made her one of the most respected stars of classic Hollywood. Born Jean Merilyn Simmons on January 31, 1929, in London, England, she began acting as a teenager and quickly gained attention in British films. Simmons appeared in acclaimed productions including "Great Expectations," "Black Narcissus," and "Hamlet." Her portrayal of Ophelia opposite Laurence Olivier in "Hamlet" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. After moving to Hollywood, Simmons became a major star and appeared in numerous important films. Her credits include "The Robe," "The Egyptian," "Guys and Dolls," "The Big Country," "Elmer Gantry," "Spartacus," and "The Grass Is Greener." In "Guys and Dolls," she starred opposite Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine, demonstrating both her acting and musical abilities. Simmons continued working successfully in film and television for decades. Her later television work included "North & South" and the popular miniseries "The Thorn Birds," for which she won an Emmy Award. Jean Simmons died on January 22, 2010, at age 80. Her long career in British cinema, Hollywood epics, musicals, dramas, and television made her one of the most admired actresses of her generation, and her autographs, photographs, and movie memorabilia remain popular with collectors of classic Hollywood.